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Fife anti-poverty campaigners have urged Chancellor Rishi Sunak to think again and keep the £20 uplift to Universal Credit. CITIZENS Advice Wiltshire is urging the government to reconsider a reported £20 weekly cut to universal credit that would affect one in nine working-age people. The £20 uplift was introduced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak during the Covid-19 pandemic but will expire next month. Figures show 43 per cent of people set to see their benefits drop are families with children. And 44 per cent of people who could be affected are in work. Suzanne Wigmore, chief officer of Citizens Advice Wiltshire, said: “Our staff and volunteers see the difference the increase to Universal Credit has made to families. It’s what has helped them keep their heads above water. Without that extra money, we fear we’d see more people coming to us in debt, unable to pay their bills or turning to food banks because they can’t afford the essentials.
Call to keep £20 benefit uplift thisiswiltshire.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from thisiswiltshire.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Suzanne Wigmore, chief executive of Citizens Advice Wiltshire “As we look to rebuild from Covid, the government must invest in the benefits system and keep this vital lifeline.” Staff and volunteers at the local charity have helped more than 2,300 people with Universal Credit since March last year. It says the £20 a week increase has been a “lifeline” and has supported people who were already struggling before the pandemic as well as those hit by Covid job losses. The charity warns a cut to the benefit this autumn – as energy bills rise with the colder weather – will see many struggle to afford their essential costs.
Suzanne Wigmore, chief executive of Citizens Advice Wiltshire “As we look to rebuild from Covid, the government must invest in the benefits system and keep this vital lifeline.” Staff and volunteers at the local charity have helped more than 2,300 people with Universal Credit since March last year. It says the £20 a week increase has been a “lifeline” and has supported people who were already struggling before the pandemic as well as those hit by Covid job losses. The charity warns a cut to the benefit this autumn – as energy bills rise with the colder weather – will see many struggle to afford their essential costs.